Vicuna Peak

Vicuna Peak, or Vicuña Peak, is a 2,126-metre (6,975-foot) granitic horn located in the North Cascades of southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is situated 8 km (5 mi) northwest of Coquihalla Summit, 1.47 km (1 mi) northeast of Alpaca Peak, and 1 km (1 mi) southwest of Guanaco Peak, its nearest higher peak, by a mere one metre.[3] Precipitation runoff from the peak drains west into headwaters of the East Anderson River, or east into headwaters of the Coldwater River. The mountain was named for the vicuña, as part of the animal names theme for several other nearby peaks that were submitted by Philip Kubik of the 1974 first ascent party.[4] The mountain's name was officially adopted on February 5, 1976, by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.[5]

Vicuna Peak
Vicuna Peak, left, with Guanaco Peak (right)
Highest point
Elevation2,126 m (6,975 ft) [1]
Prominence156 m (512 ft) [1]
Parent peakGuanaco Peak (2127 m)[1]
Coordinates49°39′21″N 121°09′14″W 
Geography
Vicuna Peak
Location in British Columbia
Vicuna Peak
Vicuna Peak (Canada)
LocationBritish Columbia, Canada
Parent rangeNorth Cascades
Topo mapNTS 92H/11
Climbing
First ascentOctober 13, 1974, by Philip Kubik, Ed Zenger[2]  
Easiest routeNortheast Ridge[1]

Geology

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch.[6] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.[6] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.[6]

Vicuna Peak in winter

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape.[6] The "U"-shaped cross section of the river valleys are a result of recent glaciation. Uplift and faulting in combination with glaciation have been the dominant processes which have created the tall peaks and deep valleys of the North Cascades area.

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks and ridges, deep glacial valleys, and granite spires. Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to various climate differences which lead to vegetation variety defining the ecoregions in this area.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Vicuna Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[7] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Cascade Range where they are forced upward by the range (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall. As a result, the Cascade Mountains experience high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for climbing Vicuna Peak.

Climbing Routes
Vicuna Peak from northeast.
(Alpaca Peak to right)

Established climbing routes on Vicuna Peak:[1]

See also

References
  1. "Vicuna Peak". Bivouac.com. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  2. Fred Beckey, Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume 3 (Second Edition), The Mountaineers, 1995, ISBN 0-89886-423-2, p. 255
  3. "Vicuna Peak, British Columbia". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  4. "Vicuna Peak". BC Geographical Names.
  5. "Vicuna Peak". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  6. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
  7. Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11. ISSN 1027-5606.
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